Fetterman’s Doctor Says He’s Fit To Serve In Senate After Stroke

Topline

Pennsylvania Democratic Senate candidate John Fetterman “has no work restrictions and can work full duty in public office,” his primary care physician wrote in a letter released to the Philadelphia Inquirer, five months after Fetterman suffered a stroke.

Key Facts

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Dr. Clifford Chen, Fetterman’s primary care physician since May, released the letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer after examining Fetterman on Friday.

Fetterman’s blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels were normal, Chen wrote.

Chen said Fetterman “spoke intelligently without cognitive deficits,” but continues to show signs of auditory processing disorder, which causes him to have trouble understanding certain spoken words.

Fetterman’s communication has improved with the help of speech therapy, Chen wrote.

Tangent

The letter comes one week after NBC reporter Dasha Burns pressed Fetterman on whether he was healthy enough to serve and why he wouldn’t release more medical records in an interview on October 11. Due to auditory processing issues, Fetterman used closed captioning to read Burns’ questions, and Burns sparked controversy when she said Fetterman appeared to have trouble understanding small talk before the interview–a comment disputed by other journalists who have interviewed Fetterman.

Key Background

Fetterman suffered a stroke days before he won the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate primary in May, and he sometimes uses closed captioning to understand questions in interviews. He’s faced criticism for declining to release medical records and up until now, had only released a letter from his cardiologist detailing a condition that prevents Fetterman’s heart from pumping blood properly. The cardiologist, Dr. Ramesh Chandra, scolded Fetterman for neglecting doctor’s appointments for five years, but said that if he takes his health and recovery seriously moving forward “he should be able to campaign and serve in the U.S. Senate without a problem.” Fetterman’s Republican challenger, television personality and cardiologist Mehmet Oz, has frequently questioned whether Fetterman is healthy enough to serve and pushed his opponent to release his medical records.

Big Number

48%. The percentage of likely voters who back Fetterman, according to an AARP poll released Tuesday that found 46% of voters favor Oz, representing a four-point decline for Fetterman since AARP’s June survey. The race between Oz and Fetterman—who are vying to replace retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey—is tight, though Fetterman has a slight lead in most polls.

What To Watch For

Fetterman and Oz are scheduled to appear in their first and only debate on Tuesday. Fetterman requested closed captioning for the event.

Further Reading

The Vulnerability of John Fetterman (New York Magazine)

Fetterman Ad Raises Stroke Amid Controversy As Oz Distances Himself From Campaign’s Attacks (Forbes)

Biden to host fundraiser with John Fetterman in Philadelphia as Senate race with Dr. Oz tightens (CNBC)